High School Football - Bay Rivers District

October 19, 2007|By JASON JORDAN Daily Press

GAME OF THE WEEK: GRAFTON (4-2, 4-1)

THE CLIPPERS' OFFENSE

The Clippers couldn't get their running game going last week against Lafayette, managing only 11 yards. But the Packers aren't as good a defensive team. Austin Sneath and Kyle Pelchy should bounce back.

THE CLIPPERS' DEFENSE

Save two big pass plays - one that resulted in a score and one that set up a score - the Clippers were sharp defensively in last week's loss. The Clippers are the No. 2 defense in the district, giving up 207 yards per game.

THE CLIPPERS' STORYLINES

Last year, the Clippers came into Packer Stadium with a six-game winning streak and no shot at the playoffs, but still pulled off the win. This year, the Clippers have an outside shot at the postseason, and Pelchy and Co. are determined to go.

GAME OF THE WEEK: SMITHFIELD (4-3, 3-3)

THE PACKERS' OFFENSE

The Packers were held in check in the first half by New Kent last week, but came out and blasted the Trojans in the second half. They'll need to establish Dyrell Roberts early and maintain their offensive execution.

THE PACKERS' DEFENSE

Smithfield hasn't done a great job at stopping the run this season, giving up 168 rushing yards per game. Grafton is averaging 213 per game, and the Clippers have four backs who can hurt you.

THE PACKERS' STORYLINES

The Packers haven't beaten the Clippers in more than seven years. They remember last year's loss because Phillip Thaxton eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards in that game. This year, Roberts is trying to reach that mark and it looks like he will.

THE GAME INFO

WHEN: 7:30 tonight

WHERE: Packer Stadium, Smithfield

THE PICKS YOURS

Grafton (53.03% on HRVarsity.com)

OURS

Grafton

THE GAME

Warhill (0-6, 0-5) at Bruton (3-3, 2-3)

THE INFO: WHEN: 7:30 tonight WHERE: Bruton High School

THE OFFENSES

The Panthers were sharp in last week's win over Southampton, putting up 274 yards of offense. Brett Burks, right, rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Warhill turned in its second-worst offensive game of the year in last week's loss to Jamestown, only managing 56 yards of offense.

THE DEFENSES

The Lions will have their hands full with Burks in the Bruton backfield. So far, the Lions are giving up 288 rushing yards per game. Bruton was solid defensively last week against Southampton, holding the Indians to just 165 yards of total offense. The Panthers are allowing teams 309 yards a game.

THE STORYLINES

Warhill could use any sign of hope in this week's game; the Lions have scored only four touchdowns all year. But the Panthers aren't out to make Warhill feel better about itself. Burks and the Panthers are on a mission to finish the season on a strong note, and feel that they have the offense that can knock off some teams.

THE PICKS

YOURS

Bruton (70% on HRVarsity.com)

OURS

Bruton

THE GAME

York (2-4, 2-3) vs. Lafayette (7-0, 6-0)

THE INFO

WHEN: 7:30 tonight

WHERE: James County City Stadium, Williamsburg

THE OFFENSES

The Falcons got the job done on the ground last week, putting up 285 rushing yards on Poquoson, but couldn't score. Lafayette put together a solid offensive game last week against Grafton. The Rams managed 216 yards in a balanced attack. They average 323 yards a game.

THE DEFENSES

The Rams shut down Grafton last week, holding the Clippers' strong running game to just 11 yards. The Rams are the top defensive team in the district, allowing teams just 164 yards per game. York gave up its most yardage last week against Poquoson: 520. York is giving up 281 yards per game this season.

THE STORYLINES

The Rams are playing too well to let the Falcons halt their quest for an undefeated regular season. Garrick Piggott, left, is Lafayette's best player and T.J. Ptachick is the most necessary player on the team. York is capable with Jon Parks at running back, but the Rams crush opposing team's running games and Parks shouldn't be a factor.

The Indians made a quarterback change that was seemingly for the better. Kendal Carwile took over for Sidney Rawls, right, in last week's loss to Bruton, and Carwile connected on 12 of 18 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. New Kent managed 138 yards of offense against Smithfield last week.

THE DEFENSES

The Trojans hung tough defensively with Smithfield in the first half last week. But in the end, the Trojans didn't have the depth to maintain that high level of play. Southampton gave up 245 yards of offense to Bruton last week. On the year, the Indians are allowing opponents 298 yards per game.

THE STORYLINES

Neither team has to worry about having to win in order to make the playoffs. But both want to have a strong finish to a down year to give the program something to look forward to next year. Taylor Revelle is a capable receiver, and with the quarterback change, the Indians will be even stronger. Still, the Trojans may be too tough defensively at home.